In Zambia, woman boxer emerges as a new role model

African Esther Phiri beat a US fighter to defend her world title this past weekend, increasing her status in the country.

from the December 3, 2007 edition

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But in late 2006, Phiri stepped into an unscheduled fight in Nairobi, Kenya, with the the reigning Women's International Boxing Federation (WIBF) Intercontinental Junior Lightweight titleholder, Kelli Cofer of Ohio, and won an eight-round decision.

The win and the resulting publicity made Phiri a household name. Billboards with her picture line streets and the government television broadcaster carries her fights live.

Newly rich by Zambian standards, Phiri, her daughter, and her mother now live in a bigger house in a middle-class Lusaka neighborhood. National Milling is paying for Phiri, who was previously illiterate, to complete her education and to learn to drive her new car.

The champ gives back

Phiri has donated money and clothes to a local orphanage and visits with players in a youth soccer league. In talks with kids, Phiri stresses the importance of sports as a way to boost confidence for young Zambian women and help them avoid the pitfalls of sexually transmitted infections and early pregnancy.

"She's ventured into ground that was a domain for men," says Mwiika Malindima, chairman of the Gender and Media Southern Africa Network in Zambia. "I think she's a role model for many women." But Mr. Malindima and others would like to see her do more community work with women.

And Zarina Geloo, a local newspaper owner, says that the largely uneducated Phiri, surrounded by men in the world of boxing, is still not fully aware of just how influential she could be in her new role as a prominent female citizen.

Navigating the challenges of fame has not been easy, Phiri says.

She's receiving advice from all corners, including Zambia's president, Levy Mwanawasa, who met with Phiri and counseled her to be wary of men and not to squander her newfound fame and fortune.

Aside from boxing, Phiri wants to finish school and says she has a "business mind." Phiri's next fight is in March, and her promoters are dreaming of securing a bout in Las Vegas.

Still, while Phiri now holds two world titles, finding other sponsors for a female boxer in the region remains a challenge.

But many Zambians, including males, are just happy to have a champion.

As one young Zambian man shouted with a smile upon seeing an American leave Phiri's Saturday night victory – "Zambia is strong!"

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